Moroccan tennis humbles itself in Marrakesh

Moroccan tennis players Taha Baddi and Karim Bennani were eliminated yesterday, Wednesday, from the second round of the 40th edition of the Hassan II Grand Prix, which continues until April 5 at the courts of the Royal Tennis Club in Marrakesh.

Karim Bennani was narrowly defeated by German Jannick Hanfmann, ranked 64th in the world, in two rounds to one (4-6, 7-6, 2-6).

During this close match in terms of performance, the Moroccan player showed great fighting spirit and determination against an experienced opponent, but Yannick Hanfmann's effectiveness in the decisive points enabled him to decide the match and qualify for the next round, thus ending Karim Bennani's career in this tournament.

For his part, Taha Baadi was defeated by Frenchman Corentin Moutet, ranked third in the tournament and 33rd in the world, with a score of 0-6 and 2-6.

In the first round, Taha Baadi gave a distinguished performance by defeating Australian Alexander Vukic (84th in the world) in three rounds (2-6, 6-3, 1-6).

This tournament, organized under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, includes the participation of an elite group of the most prominent international players, including Italian Luciano Darderi (18th in the world), Dutchman Talon Grikspor (29th in the world), Frenchman Corentin Moute (33rd in the world), and Czech Tomas Machak (48th in the world).